I’m Edmund Wood, founder of Belgrove Rum, which released the world’s first hazelnut rum in January 2019. My background is in Physics, cooking oil & noodles; I studied physics at university, and then went on to run factories & warehouses in the food industry.
My rum journey started when I quit my job to start a business, however I didn’t know what business I would actually start; I went in search of a wonderful idea – I wanted to create something new, something gorgeous. And a chance tasting of a vanilla rum in Bordeaux opened my eyes to how wonderful infused rums could taste; I headed home to try out some flavors of my own, ones that reminded me of home, my childhood and those that just worked well together; Kinder Bueno, Florentines, Dairy Milk Whole Nut – before long I’d created a hazelnut, chocolate & vanilla golden rum – no added sugar, wonderfully dry & moreish, sort of like a grown-up Frangelico.
-Hazel nutty: just such an incredible aroma
-Dry: not syrupy sweet
-Versatile: delicious neat, with coke or in an Old Fashioned or an Espresso Martini
Opening up the industry to consumers who want accessible, premium & interesting flavours – especially craft gin drinkers in search of something new.
The most amazing circle of friends & colleagues
Exercise & getting fresh air – keeping a healthy mind & body is essential, especially when running a business.
By the log fire with friends
Old Fashioned: 50ml Belgrove Hazelnut Rum, 10ml salted caramel syrup, 2 dashes chocolate bitters, ice.
When you understand a drink and a category more, I think the appreciation & enjoyment is so much higher.
Taste many, and find what works for you – don’t necessarily stick to what other people tell you is good – we all have different palates.
I think in most industries sustainable development should be key to what we call success, even though often sustainability is sacrificed for increased short term profit, but I think now more than ever consumers are making the effort & sometimes cost sacrifice to drink better & more ethically.
Dave Marsland, I’ve met him many times, but not seen him in the last year, for obvious reasons – he was an absolute gentleman when I was starting Belgrove – made a lot of time for me, offered his insight, very supportive, a top bloke!
Bring out our new flavour in 2021, and get both flavours in to the hands & the glasses of drinkers around the world.
I’ve got no plans to leave the rum industry! It’s full of wonderful people; bartenders, rum drinkers, especially online – there’s a wonderful group of friendly people in the Spiced Rum Club on Facebook – such a great community.
A lot of people are cautious about new spirits, and might have had a few rough nights on rum in the past and need a hand navigating towards some of the delicious rum based drinks out there.
Don’t be afraid of the rum category – there are lots of different rums out there, even if you think it isn’t for you, just look a little further.
Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07NVR9QY8
Cocktails: https://www.belgroverum.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belgroverum/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belgroverum/
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